American Masters

The Day Carl Sandburg Died

For much of the 20th century, Carl Sandburg's name was synonymous with the American experience -- a spokesman on behalf of 'the people. " He became one of the most successful writers in the English language, using his unique life -- from impoverished beginnings on the prairie of Illinois to the halls of Congress to the Ed Sullivan Show -- in his free verse poetry. His was a classic American tale of success -- a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, a biographer -- most notably of Abraham Lincoln -- a journalist, children's storyteller, folk song collector, novelist and autobiographer. But Sandburg's story is not without controversy. After his death in 1967, his literary legacy faded and his poems, once taught in schools across America, were dismissed under the weight of massive critical attack. This program captures the burgeoning resurgence of interest in Sandburg and his contributions.